Determination method in quality assurance of aloe vera products for athletes

Aloe vera is one of the most widely used plants in the world, recognized for its diverse health benefits and versatile applications. From dietary supplements and functional beverages to skin care products, aloe vera’s bioactive compounds have made it a staple in the health and wellness industry.

With such popularity, the quality and safety of aloe vera products are of utmost importance. Differences in cultivation, harvesting and processing methods can affect the chemical composition of aloe vera raw materials, requiring rigorous and scientific testing procedures to ensure consistent product quality.

The role of analytical testing in the production of aloe vera products

An essential aspect of aloe quality assurance is the ability to measure natural anthraquinones – compounds such as aloin A, aloin B and aloe-emodin, found in the latex of the aloe plant. These compounds must be closely monitored because they must be within controlled ranges due to their known biological effects. Reliable measurement is key to ensuring that finished products meet both safety standards and labeling requirements.

Herbalife has long used a proprietary analytical method based on High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to quantify anthraquinones in raw aloe vera materials and finished products. The method was initially validated in a single laboratory and was recently validated in a global multi-laboratory study involving eight independent laboratories. The study confirmed the repeatability, precision, and stability of the method across a variety of environments and product types.

Following validation, the method was evaluated by scientists designated by the Association for Official Analytical Cooperation (AOAC INTERNATIONAL) and certified as Official Method 2016.09. This designation certifies that the method meets internationally recognized standards of scientific reliability and provides additional confidence in its application in industry-wide quality testing programs.

In addition to using HPLC to analyze aloin, we also use proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to determine the molecular structure and purity of aloe vera components – allowing for deeper verification beyond the usual certifications from suppliers.

Prioritize quality at every stage

The quality of aloe vera products doesn’t start in the lab; it starts in the fields. A reliable supply chain for botanical ingredients depends heavily on growing and harvesting conditions. At Herbalife, our aloe vera quality program extends from farm to finished product, representing a comprehensive approach to quality that we call the “Seed to Feed” approach.

This approach includes working closely with aloe farmers to promote consistent farming practices and controlled processing, thereby preserving beneficial compounds. These efforts are reinforced by rigorous testing at our ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, which consistently verify identity, strength, and purity at multiple points in the supply chain.

By prioritizing rigorous testing, traceability and scientific verification at every stage, we enhance product quality and help build lasting consumer trust.

Shared commitment to raising standards

Aloe is a key ingredient in many of our most widely distributed products, which is why we have invested significantly in understanding its chemistry and how best to measure and validate its quality. But these efforts are not limited to our business needs. We understand that improving botanical quality standards benefits the entire industry – including those without access to in-house labs or proprietary methods. By publishing our AOAC-certified method and participating in cross-industry validation efforts, we aim to contribute to the broader science of natural product testing.

Sharing proven methods with industry partners and jointly developing standards are important steps toward making high-quality plant products more consistent, transparent, and trustworthy.

Improving aloe quality through scientific collaboration

As aloe continues to play a central role in health and wellness products, supporting the implementation of reliable, science-based quality systems for the use of aloe vera becomes increasingly important. Developing and validating methods that can be widely applied will empower the entire supply chain – from growers and manufacturers to distributors and consumers.

Our experience shows that investing in rigorous, transparent quality control practices can yield meaningful results – not only in terms of product consistency, but also in raising the overall expectations of what quality means in the plant-based products industry.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/phuong-phap-xac-dinh-trong-dam-bao-chat-luong-san-pham-co-nguon-goc-tu-lo-hoi-danh-cho-nguoi-tap-luyen-20250717112955105.htm